Only three? There are so many that I have LTS (life theme songs), all time slow jams and all time jams playlists set on my iPod. Never get tired of them. So, I’ll go with three that are longtime standbys.
Who can’t get happy hearing the first organ chords? Then we move on to “dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to get through this thing called life.” And aren’t we all? This song inspires and energizes me. Prince is a funky musican genius.
I Can’t Make You Love Me by Bonnie Raitt
Such a hauntingly true statement and song. The quiet passion and pain that are infused into each note make this song ring true every time.
Love Me in a Special Way by DeBarge
This one is a throwback to a time when singers really sang and there were great talents that wrote their own songs and played instruments. No autotune. No lip-synching. No offpitch harmonizing. True, heartfelt vocals. El DeBarge (who I see is making a much deserved comeback) is one of the great unique voices of R&B. This song is another one where the vocals convey a quiet yearning. No screaming necessary (take note newbie artists).
Barbara McDowell 